Messiah University vs. Gonzaga

Comparable Facts

Compare Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA with Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gonzaga University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (7,470 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Messiah University is located in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting); Gonzaga University is in Spokane, WA (Midsize City setting).
• Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gonzaga University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Messiah University 12:1; Gonzaga University 12:1.

Messiah University vs. Gonzaga Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Messiah University or Gonzaga? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Messiah University than Gonzaga ($29,408 vs. $40,117).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 16.7% lower than at Gonzaga University ($13,098 vs. $15,730).
• Gonzaga University is 31.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $13,240 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.3% higher at Gonzaga than at Messiah University (about $13,240 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University as at Gonzaga University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gonzaga University students is 25.6% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($33,390 vs. $26,576).

Messiah University vs. Gonzaga Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Messiah University or Gonzaga? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Gonzaga and Messiah University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gonzaga University (1290) is 60 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Gonzaga students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Messiah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 1110/1350; Gonzaga University 1190/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 26/31; Gonzaga University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Messiah University - Test optional; Gonzaga - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gonzaga Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Gonzaga (3.67).
• Gonzaga has a higher acceptance rate (81.7%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.1% at Messiah University vs. 17.5% at Gonzaga.

Messiah University vs. Gonzaga Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Messiah University and Gonzaga? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Gonzaga University's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Gonzaga University earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,600 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $405 lower median loan debt than Gonzaga graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,394).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gonzaga graduates ($268 vs. $272).
• More Gonzaga graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messiah University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 85%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.